News for 'public-distribution-system'

Security forces set up new camp in Chhattisgarh's Maoist stronghold

Security forces set up new camp in Chhattisgarh's Maoist stronghold

Rediff.com23 Nov 2025

Security forces have established a new camp in the Karregutta Hills along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, a former Naxal stronghold, following a major anti-Naxal operation.

Cyclone Montha: Andhra prepares action plan for relief, essential supplies

Cyclone Montha: Andhra prepares action plan for relief, essential supplies

Rediff.com26 Oct 2025

The Andhra Pradesh government has prepared an action plan for relief and essential supplies in pre-cyclone preparedness for Cyclone Montha, expected to cross the coast on October 28.

If ED has fundamental rights, think about people's rights too: SC

If ED has fundamental rights, think about people's rights too: SC

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has criticized the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for focusing solely on its own fundamental rights while pursuing a money laundering case related to the Nagrik Apurti Nigam (NAN) scam in Chhattisgarh. The court questioned the agency's attempt to transfer the case to New Delhi, noting that the agency's petition under Article 32 of the Constitution is typically reserved for individuals seeking redressal for fundamental rights violations.

Here's how to fix the public distribution system

Here's how to fix the public distribution system

Rediff.com11 Mar 2015

Now the PMO needs to take the food sector reforms forward.

Why 300 Villagers Went Bald Suddenly

Why 300 Villagers Went Bald Suddenly

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

'Due to this sudden phenomenon, guests stopped visiting the homes of these villages, girls and boys from these villages were not getting proposals; students were reluctant to attend schools and colleges for fear of being shamed.'

BJP promises strict anti-conversion law in Maharashtra

BJP promises strict anti-conversion law in Maharashtra

Rediff.com10 Nov 2024

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday promised to enact an-anti conversion law with stringent provisions in Maharashtra, and also assured a skill census for training as per industry needs as well as free ration to low-income families.

Villupuram reels under record floods, railway suspends ops

Villupuram reels under record floods, railway suspends ops

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

Villpuram district in north Tamil Nadu continued to reel under unprecedented flooding on Monday following extremely heavy rainfall, virtually blocking access to villages and residential colonies as bridges and roads overflowed, inundating huge acreage of standing crops and leaving passengers stranded as rail and road traffic was hit.

'Government Is Constantly Trying To Subvert RTI'

'Government Is Constantly Trying To Subvert RTI'

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

'The government does not want to be transparent or accountable. Therefore, they do not want to appoint information commissioners.'

NC promises Article 370, autonomy, statehood resolution

NC promises Article 370, autonomy, statehood resolution

Rediff.com19 Aug 2024

Restoration of Article 370 and Jammu and Kashmir's statehood as well as implementation of the autonomy resolution passed by the erstwhile assembly in 2000 are among the National Conference's 12 guarantees announced in its manifesto for the upcoming polls.

After ED, NIA team attacked in Bengal, officer hurt; 2 held in blast case

After ED, NIA team attacked in Bengal, officer hurt; 2 held in blast case

Rediff.com6 Apr 2024

A team of NIA officials earlier this morning arrested two persons in connection with the case and were on their way back to Kolkata, when the vehicle came under attack, they said.

Polls Over, BJP, Congress Faced With MSP Hike Promise

Polls Over, BJP, Congress Faced With MSP Hike Promise

Rediff.com7 Dec 2023

If states have to fall in line with MSPs declared by political parties, they will have to do so in violation of central order or bear the full expense of the surplus procured at above MSP rates.

Phase 4: At 38%, Srinagar records highest voter turnout since 1996

Phase 4: At 38%, Srinagar records highest voter turnout since 1996

Rediff.com14 May 2024

This was the first general election in the valley after the abrogation of Article 370 and the enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the EC said in a statement.

'Completely unprovoked': NIA on Bengal mob attack

'Completely unprovoked': NIA on Bengal mob attack

Rediff.com7 Apr 2024

"The NIA categorically refuted allegations of mala fide in its Bhupatinagar blast case," an agency spokesperson said.

Noted economist Abhijit Sen, advocate of MSP, passes away

Noted economist Abhijit Sen, advocate of MSP, passes away

Rediff.com30 Aug 2022

Economist Abhijit Sen, a former Planning Commission member and one of the country's foremost experts on rural economy, died on Monday night. He was 72.

BJP promises higher MSP, houses, LPG @ Rs 450 in MP manifesto

BJP promises higher MSP, houses, LPG @ Rs 450 in MP manifesto

Rediff.com11 Nov 2023

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday released its manifesto for the November 17 Madhya Pradesh elections promising MSP for wheat at Rs 2,700 per quintal and paddy at Rs 3,100 and houses for beneficiaries of the state's flagship scheme 'Ladli Bahna'.

Manmohan vs Modi Debate: India Is The Loser

Manmohan vs Modi Debate: India Is The Loser

Rediff.com19 Feb 2024

False and acrimonious debates such as Modi versus Manmohan might allow for victories that are political and partisan. But the real loser is the nation, India and Bharat, notes Arvind Subramanian, former chief economic advisor to the Modi government in its first term.

Interim Budget: No Big Bang Announcements On Cards

Interim Budget: No Big Bang Announcements On Cards

Rediff.com21 Dec 2023

If the Budget makes no big announcements on new schemes, projects, or tax giveaways, the government would face a major political dilemma as it may have to reluctantly consider shunning the practice of unveiling pre-election sops to woo voters, notes A K Bhattacharya.

Who Fared Better On Economy? Modi Or Manmohan

Who Fared Better On Economy? Modi Or Manmohan

Rediff.com15 Feb 2024

Whether it was the MGNREGS or the NFSA or the Aadhaar-based DBT scheme for cash transfer, the Modi government has built on the basic architecture created by the Singh government. Policy makers in the Modi government, instead of discarding them as products of the previous political regime, worked on them, expanded their scope and reach, and used new tools to improve their performance, explains A K Bhattacharya.

Arrested Bengal minister Mallick hospitalised after fainting in court

Arrested Bengal minister Mallick hospitalised after fainting in court

Rediff.com28 Oct 2023

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested West Bengal minister Jyotipriyo Mallick in a money laundering case linked to an alleged multi-core ration distribution scam in the state, official sources said on Friday.

Why 810 Million Indians Need Free Rations

Why 810 Million Indians Need Free Rations

Rediff.com20 Nov 2023

Is it a case of poor targeting of a welfare scheme, or is it a reflection of the government's desire to expand the scope of this benefit to secure greater electoral dividends? asks A K Bhattacharya.

After full literacy, Kerala is now 100% e-governed, says CM Pinarayi

After full literacy, Kerala is now 100% e-governed, says CM Pinarayi

Rediff.com25 May 2023

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday declared the southern state as India's first fully e-governed state where an entire range of government services have been digitised so that they can be provided to the citizens promptly and transparently.

2024 Interim Budget: Mistakes Nirmalaji Can Avoid

2024 Interim Budget: Mistakes Nirmalaji Can Avoid

Rediff.com11 Oct 2023

Pre-Budget excercise next month should scrupulously avoid adventurism of all types and refrain from making excessively ambitious projections on revenue and expenditure numbers for 2023-24, suggests A K Bhattacharya.

Ration shops to double up as financial service providers in Chhattisgarh

Ration shops to double up as financial service providers in Chhattisgarh

Rediff.com22 Nov 2022

The Chhattisgarh government has decided to set up model fair-price shops (FPS) in each district and encourage owners to act as banking correspondents for providing financial services. The state has around 12,300 fair-price shops across 33 districts. The state government is, however, encouraging FPS owners to provide a host of services besides acting as a banking correspondent.

Can India Be A Developed Nation By 2047?

Can India Be A Developed Nation By 2047?

Rediff.com6 Jan 2024

One hopes in his next term, Narendra Modi will take up the mission of inculcating respect for following rules in Indians as a mission. Therein lies the chance for India to become a developed country, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Why FCI Stopped Rice Supply For Ethanol

Why FCI Stopped Rice Supply For Ethanol

Rediff.com1 Aug 2023

Rising prices of cereals and concerns over rice production in the 2023-2024 crop year due to insufficient rains followed by floods could be the possible causes.

Meghalaya polls: BJP woos women voters with govt job quota, scooters

Meghalaya polls: BJP woos women voters with govt job quota, scooters

Rediff.com16 Feb 2023

It also promised financial assistance of Rs 24,000 annually to all dependent widows and single mothers, two free LPG cylinders to all the beneficiaries of the PM Ujjwala Yojana and 24x7 power supply.

Fiscal deficit in FY24 may be capped at 5.9%, says Goldman Sachs

Fiscal deficit in FY24 may be capped at 5.9%, says Goldman Sachs

Rediff.com11 Jan 2023

The central government is likely to further consolidate its fiscal deficit by 50 basis points (bps) to 5.9 per cent in FY24 from 6.4 per cent in FY23, according to a recent report released by Goldman Sachs on Tuesday. In the current fiscal year, there is going to be an upside of 0.5 per cent on the receipts side due to higher nominal GDP growth, and higher tax buoyancy because of the formalisation, the report said. The upside to expenditure is mainly going to come from incremental subsidies (0.8 per cent of GDP), in both food and fertilizer, it said. The upcoming pre-election Budget will carry forward the trend of the increased capital expenditure seen in recent years.

Are markets being 'blind' to inflation risks?

Are markets being 'blind' to inflation risks?

Rediff.com28 Feb 2023

Elevated food price-led inflation could become a sore point for markets, which they seem to be ignoring at current levels, observe analysts. Retail inflation in India - as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) - came in at a three-month high of 6.52 per cent in January 2023, compared with 5.72 per cent in December and 5.88 per cent in November 2022. The inflation print for February, according to Madan Sabnavis, chief economist at Bank of Baroda, will be critical for the Reserve Bank of India's monetary policy committee.

Is Bhupesh Baghel In ED's Sights?

Is Bhupesh Baghel In ED's Sights?

Rediff.com10 May 2023

If the corruption issue doesn't claim Mr Baghel, the Congress's chances in the assembly election later this year are good, observes Aditi Phadnis.

Eid: Khargone admin changes decision, relaxes curfew for 9 hrs

Eid: Khargone admin changes decision, relaxes curfew for 9 hrs

Rediff.com2 May 2022

Earlier, the administration had announced a 24-hour curfew on May 2 and 3 and asked Khargone residents to celebrate the Eid-al-Fitr and Akshaya Tritiya festivals at home.

Modi Prepares Govt For Harsh Summer

Modi Prepares Govt For Harsh Summer

Rediff.com24 Mar 2023

Prime Minister Modi last week called for optimal grain storage, fire audits and mock drills in hospitals as preparations for the harsh summer forecast by the meteorological department.

Survey pitches for hike in PDS rates to trim food subsidy bill

Survey pitches for hike in PDS rates to trim food subsidy bill

Rediff.com29 Jan 2021

Stating that the food subsidy bill is becoming "unmanageably large", the Economic Survey 2021 on Friday suggested the government to increase the selling price of foodgrains provided through ration shops to over 80 crore beneficiaries. Foodgrains via ration shops are supplied at highly subsidised rates of Rs 3 per kg for rice, Rs 2 per kg for wheat and Rs 1 per kg for coarse grains through Public Distribution System (PDS) as per the National Food Security Act (NFSA). "While it is difficult to reduce the economic cost of food management in view of rising commitment towards food security, there is a need to consider the revision of central issue price (CIP) to reduce the bulging food subsidy bill," the survey said.

The Politics Of Freebies

The Politics Of Freebies

Rediff.com22 May 2023

Why did Karnataka's economic prosperity fail to influence the nature of electoral promises made by political parties in the run-up to the assembly elections? asks A K Bhattacharya.

'I am not the target, my leader KCR is'

'I am not the target, my leader KCR is'

Rediff.com23 Mar 2023

'He is exposing the failings of the BJP, which is rankling the party.'

Curfew to remain in force in violence-hit Khargone on Eid, Akshaya Tritiya

Curfew to remain in force in violence-hit Khargone on Eid, Akshaya Tritiya

Rediff.com1 May 2022

People can make purchases for the festivals on Sunday, when the curfew has been relaxed from 8 am to 5 pm, they said.

SC seeks starvation deaths data from govt, model plan for community kitchens

SC seeks starvation deaths data from govt, model plan for community kitchens

Rediff.com30 Sep 2022

The top court had on January 18 said the Centre will have a role in drafting the model community kitchens scheme and, particularly, exploring the possibility of providing additional food grains for it.

Nobody should go to sleep on empty stomach, ensure foodgrains to all: SC to govt

Nobody should go to sleep on empty stomach, ensure foodgrains to all: SC to govt

Rediff.com6 Dec 2022

A bench of Justices MR Shah and Hima Kohli directed the Centre to submit a fresh chart with the number of migrant and unorganised sector workers registered on eShram portal.

Farmers celebrate 'Holika Dahan' by burning copies of farm laws

Farmers celebrate 'Holika Dahan' by burning copies of farm laws

Rediff.com28 Mar 2021

The protesting farmers celebrated Holi at the borders and maintained that their agitation will continue till the farm laws are repealed and a separate law on minimum support price is enacted, it said in a statement.

Aadhaar's next goal: Financial inclusion in rural areas

Aadhaar's next goal: Financial inclusion in rural areas

Rediff.com19 Dec 2022

Since the first Aadhaar number was issued in September 2010, more than 1.33 billion Aadhaar cards have been generated till June 2022. With the Aadhaar enrolment of adult Indians nearing 100 per cent, the main objective of the Unique Identity Authority of India (UIDAI), which was to give Unique Identification numbers (UID) to all residents of India, is almost achieved, said a senior government official. "Enrolment will now be much more update-based, because people keep updating their mobile numbers and addresses.